John Graham: Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership in Pest Management

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• From unexpected beginnings to industry leadership
• Contributions that have shaped the industry
• Recognition through AEPMA and awards
• Embracing change while staying grounded
• Advice for pest management’s next generation
• Looking to the future

John at the 2023 Termimesh International Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone for one of the early members of our team—John Graham, who marks 25 years of service with Termi Home & Commercial Brisbane.

With a career spanning more than four decades in the Queensland pest control industry, John has helped shape not only our Brisbane pest control operation but also national industry standards through his work with the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) and other professional bodies.

From unexpected beginnings to industry leadership

John’s journey into pest management began by chance. After working in weed control, he was introduced to the world of commercial pest control through a connection at a prominent pest control company. That encounter set the course for John’s career. One defined by deep industry knowledge, advocacy and professional development.

In 2000, John joined Termitrust Brisbane and found more than just a job. He found an environment that allowed him to grow, innovate and influence.

“It’s a good company to work with,” he reflects. “I’ve always had the freedom to explore opportunities without obstacles and that’s kept me motivated.”

Contributions that have shaped the industry

John’s impact goes well beyond the day-to-day activities of Operations Manager for Termitrust Brisbane and contributing to the success of the Termi Home & Commercial network. His involvement in developing Australian Standards, advising on industry technical groups and being part of AEPMA has earned him widespread respect in the pest management industry.

A standout achievement has been his work on the Pre-Construction Code of Practice (COP), which underpins our approach to pre-construction termite protection in Queensland. As John explains, “The COP was about setting minimum standards, which recognised whole of building protection, with the COP achieving higher or more aligned outcomes for all parties involved compared to Australian Standards”.

John has also contributed to Queensland’s ongoing battle against Red Imported Fire Ants, a biosecurity threat that continues to challenge the state. Controlling this pest has become even more challenging in recent times following the heavy rainfall and flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025, enabling the ants to spread to new locations.

John’s involvement in practical, outcome-focused control measures has supported broader industry and government efforts to contain the spread of this invasive species.

John Graham receiving the 2018 Pest Manager of the Year award along with team members from Termitrust Brisbane

Recognition through AEPMA and awards

Although John spent several years serving on the national and state boards of AEPMA, which made Termitrust Brisbane ineligible to enter the Pest Manager of the Year awards, the moment he stepped down, the company submitted an application and won on the first attempt in 2018.

He credits the success not just to technical excellence, but to culture and recruitment.

“It’s all about having good people,” John says. “Hiring the right team and investing in them is what sets a company apart.”

Embracing change while staying grounded

Over his 25 years at Termi Home & Commercial Brisbane, John has witnessed significant shifts in the pest control industry.

“Technology has changed how we operate behind the scenes. Electronic reporting, scheduling, and marketing systems are now essential”, he explains.“But at the ground level, the fundamentals haven’t changed. You still need to do the basics well.”

The biggest challenge today, he says, is recruitment. “Ten years ago, staffing was easier. Now it’s almost a full time job keeping up with demand and growth.”

Despite the hurdles, John remains optimistic. “We’ve (pest control) recently been recognised as a trade, which is a major step forward. It should help with structured training, clearer career paths and hopefully attract more people into the industry.”